Our Sunday series “Love Gives” about relationships has us talking about our neighborhoods, workplaces, and marriages.
Jesus said, “Love God, Love your neighbor as yourself.” – Jesus Mt 22:37-38
Jesus tells a story in Luke 10:25-37 about a good neighbor.
This good neighbor provided real help by:
- Compassion
- Courage
- Creativity
- Cash & Credit
That’s why we talk about “Courageous Generosity” – choosing to live on less time, energy, money so that we can be a blessing to others.
This is why we choose to:
Share Life Be Available
Serve Take Action
Donald Schaefer (Mayor, Governor) said that AC was the worst thing for Baltimore because people retreated into their homes and stopped being involved in each other’s lives. At times, you have to spend time outdoors to be available for relationships with neighbors.
Psalm 112 gives us a great picture of what people look like who can really change a neighborhood.
They are Generous, Compassionate, Righteous, Confident, Fearless, and Triumphant.
They lend money generously, conduct their business fairly, not overcome by evil, trust in the Lord, share freely, and give generously to those in need.
There are Benefits to living this kind of life: Joy, Children & Generation Blessed, Influence, Honor, Remembered.
You can listen to my wife Rebecca teach on this and describe our Baltimore neighborhood experiences: here.
Here’s a Prayer we can pray in response:
“Dear God – Please forgive me for that times that I’ve lived a selfish life & ignored my neighbor. Help me choose courageous generosity. Please find me sharing life and serving my neighbors. Thank you for this opportunity to reflect your love.”
What about when I go to work or school?
Many people don’t know that Dr Howard Thurman helped Dr Martin Luther King Jr, greatly in his work.
These two pastors changed our country for good. Pastor Thurman is known as the first pastor of a racially blended mega-church in the USA. He had a great full life of service, ministry, and work. Some know him for the quote attached here.
He understood that God created each of us for a specific purpose. Before Adam and Eve sinned, God gave them a purpose in their lives. Work is not a consequence of their sin. When your vocation is fulfilling and a part of your identity, you can know a truly great life!
In Jesus’ work we see: Stewardship, Servant Leadership, and Vocational Integrity. When Jesus was at work He was always: Inspired, Honest, and Adding Value to Others.
From the book, “Your Work Matters to God” we see Four Reasons for Work:
- Expect evil.
- God is sovereign.
- God expects us to act.
- God uses evil.
Team work is better just working together:
Are you a team player?
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